Maria DiMaggio ‘25
On Sat., Dec. 3 the United States Men's National Team was defeated and eliminated by the eighth-ranked Netherlands by a score of 3-1 in the round of 16. At the end of their last game, as the Netherlands jumped in joy, midfielder Tyler Adams was seen at a point of disappointment exhaustion, dropping to a squat and sitting on the grass.
Early in the game, the USA had a chance to score a goal but unfortunately missed. The Americans got off on the wrong foot, not scoring the entire first half, while Depay Blind of the Netherlands each scored. Nearing the 76-minute mark, USA’s Haji Wright scored the first, and sadly the only goal for Team USA. Sealing the fate and putting the game out of reach, the Netherlands scored once more, bringing their final score to 3.
It was apparent that whatever magic brought Team USA to the round of 16 was missing during the game. Players on the team admitted that their defense was not as good as it had been, and they should have done something about it.
After the game, Coach Gregg Berhalter said, “We set out with a goal to show the rest of the world that we can play soccer, and I think we partially achieved that, although we fell short of our goals.”
Even though their fans were sad to see them lose, they appreciated their effort. Venetiana Garyfallos ‘25, who is on Fontbonne’s soccer team and was rooting for USA said, “I was impressed that they made it that far but I knew they wouldn't go that far. But I have to say it was fun while it lasted."
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